Page 3 - CinemaRecord Edition 3-2002 #37

CINEMA AND From the Editor....
THEATRE
In an interview in 1986 Roc Kirby, founder of the Village
C A T H S Theatres Group said, “ Kirbys had an advantage over the

other cinema operators. We were a family unit that was used
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
VICTORIA INC. to working together, so we didn’t have to hire anyone.” It is a statement which
summarises one strength of ‘the family way’, the theme of this issue.
The Kirby way is represented by the history of the Roxy Maidstone. Another
family unit was the Lawrence brothers who built Gippsland’s largest touring
The official journal of the Cinema And circuit and who went on to acquire and re-fit hard top cinemas. This issue runs the
Theatre Historical Society Victoria Inc.
first of a two part story on the Lawrence Brothers with an account by Jim
ISSN 1443-3664 • Published quarterly
Lawrence of his adventures in Melbourne suburban and city theatres at the time of
★
the sound revolution.
Editor: Ian Smith
★ The façade of the Auditorium building, one of the distinguished frontages of
CinemaRecord Artwork: Collins Street, has concealed much change. Jim Lawrence had a role in one of its
Bill Kerr, Optimum Design 9419 4144. major transitions. It is appropriate that Bernie Halperin’s article should discuss
★ some aspects of program policy at this stately address.
The main aim of CATHS and this
Denzil Howson’s account of ‘the smallest show on earth’, the Middle Park
publication is to accurately document and
create an archive of the history of cinema cinema, hints at another side to the family way – success was possible only while
and theatre in Victoria. the family unit held together. Mr. Reuben Holland, grandson of Henry Holland, the
Input in the form of articles,
cinema pioneer of Camberwell made a telling comment to me about this sort of
constructive criticism, and substantiated
situation – ‘The theatre was not important to me as a boy. What I remember is that
dispute of printed matter is welcome, and
necessary to enable us to reach our I was left home alone most nights.’
objective.
Home cinemas are integral to the family way. Ron and Jan Lowe’s Prince
Opinions expressed are those of the
George and Ron’s philosophy about what it means to them will speak for many
Editor or contributors, and unless
expressly stated so, are not necessarily members who have gone down this path.
those of the Cinema And Theatre
To all the families who have followed the dream down the years, this issue (and
Historical Society - Victoria Inc.
the next) is a salute from Cinema Record. – Ian Smith
Articles printed in CinemaRecord
should not be reproduced without the
permission of the author or the editor. NOW SHOWING!
All photos are from the collection of
the person or organisation stated. Every
effort has been made to trace the
ownership of copyright. In the event of 4 Letters
any questions arising as to the use of any
6 Newsreel
material, the author and publisher will be
happy to make the necessary corrections 8 The Flicks at Armstrong Street - Denzil Howson
in future printings.
10 CATHS-V at Balwyn Cinemas
Contributions and suggestions for
CinemaRecord are most welcome. Please 14 Roxy Maidstone - Gerry Kennedy
contact the Editor if you are planning
to write an article for the magazine. 16 Paramount at the Auditorium and After - Bernie Halperin
We may be able to assist you with 18 Pictures Were Our Business - Part 1 Jim Lawrence Tells
information, contacts, etc and it will help
us with forward planning. 26 The Valley Theatre Traralgon - Gerry Kennedy
★ 28 Protocol of a Theatre Date - Noel Kerr
Contact: Ian Smith
30 Prince George Re-visited - Ron Lowe
Telephone: 5443 0692 (1-9pm)
Email: ijsmith@impulse.net.au 33 When Silents Were Golden - Buster Keaton - Denzil Howson
Postal Address: PO Box 476,
34 Marvellous Memories
Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204
Front Cover: The sleek exterior of Kirby’s Theatres Roxy Maidstone.

CINEMARECORD 2002 3